House Democrats pursue new candidate to take on John Katko in 2018

House Democrats say they're recruiting a top-tier candidate to challenge Rep. John Katko in the 2018 election in case Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner declines to launch a bid for the seat.

Rep. Denny Heck, D-Wash., the top recruiter for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, told the National Journal that the party is pursuing a candidate who may be more likely to step into the race if Miner decides not to run for Congress.

Heck did not identify the candidate. But he confirmed that the 24th Congressional District seat held by Katko, R-Camillus, is among "only four meaningful holes" nationally that Democrats are trying to fill with strong, well-funded candidates.